12/08/2026
HOUSE PASSES BILLS DECLARING BAGACAY POINT LIGHTHOUSE, SANTIAGO BEACH AS CEBU TOURISM SPOTS
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading two key measures aimed at boosting tourism and economic development in the 5th District of Cebu.
House Bills 9553 and 9554 seek to officially declare two prominent landmarks in the province—the historic Bagacay Point Lighthouse in the municipality of Liloan and the picturesque Santiago Public Beach in San Francisco, Camotes Islands—as official tourism destinations.
The legislative measures were principally authored by Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco.
Under the proposed laws, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs), will be tasked with prioritizing the development, infrastructure, and promotional strategies for both destinations.
In a statement, Frasco emphasized that the measures mark a significant step forward for the local economy and community livelihoods.
"This is another step toward developing our destinations and creating more opportunities for our fellow countrymen," Frasco stated, highlighting the potential for increased job creation and local enterprise growth in the district.
The Bagacay Point Lighthouse, an iconic historical structure overlooking the Mactan Channel, and Santiago Public Beach, known for its sprawling white sands, are expected to receive targeted support for infrastructure, eco-conservation, and tourism promotion once the bills are enacted into law.
Both measures now await action by the Senate before being transmitted to the President for approval.